Musicians, artists and merchants

Musicians, artists and merchants line both sides of Ocean Front Walk, vying for attention in Venice Beach. Venice residents said the mood of the boardwalk area changed drastically about a year and a half ago, with the influx of large numbers of homeless youths.

Musicians, artists and merchants line both sides of Ocean Front Walk, vying for attention in Venice Beach. Venice residents said the mood of the boardwalk area changed drastically about a year and a half ago, with the influx of large numbers of homeless youths. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Musicians, artists and merchants line both sides of Ocean Front Walk, vying for attention in Venice Beach. Venice residents said the mood of the boardwalk area changed drastically about a year and a half ago, with the influx of large numbers of homeless youths.Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times